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Stories for 22 October 2004
Accrington News
'We're guilty of gobbledegook!'
WANTED: Neighbourhood Pride Motivator - or in plain English, a recycling worker. more...
Wardens to go in funding shortfall
NEIGHBOURHOOD wardens patrolling Hyndburn's streets look set to be axed by 2006. more...
What a n-ice way to end the term
A PRIMARY school got into the season's spirit by transforming its hall into an ice-skating rink as an end of term treat. more...
Blackburn News
Mind your own business
COUNCIL bosses and business leaders have hit back after a North West business magazine named Blackburn in a top ten list of the "grimmest" towns. more...
NEWS FOCUS
Bare knuckle fight of firm that had it all more...
Drugs bust
DRUG dealers across Blackburn, Darwen Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley have been warned to expect a visit from the police during the next few months as part of a major clampdown on criminal activities. more...
£1m expenses go to our MPs
EAST Lancashire's seven MPs claimed close to £1million between them in expenses last year. more...
Tobacco row is heating up
A BLACKBURN newsagent has criticised legal action that could allow cross-border shoppers to flood the North West with cut price tobacco. more...
Brothers' sorrow in verse
THE brothers of a blind toddler who died suddenly at home surprised their family when they expressed their grief in poems in remembrance of their sibling. more...
Open House with Bill Jacobs
JACK Straw has revealed that he is more electable than his boss, Tony Blair. more...
Dad's elation at amnesty
A TEACHER jailed in Thailand for drugs offences could be home six months earlier after the country's Queen brought forward his repatriation. more...
Praise for 'golden girls'
WESTHOLME prize night was given a "gold" theme last night as the principal took inspiration from this year's Olympics. more...
Grane Road crash
A MAN and a woman were trapped in their car when it crashed as it was pursued by police on the Grane Road today. more...
Blackpool News
Throw of the dice
BLACKPOOL will 'continue to decline' unless multi-million pound casino developments are built in the resort, a town hall chief claims. more...
How time flies!
BLACKPOOL Airport took a step back in time on Monday with a spectacular air show recreating the first ever flights from Squires Gate in 1909. more...
Law cheats fathers says group as they halt rollercoaster
PROTESTORS scaled Blackpool's famous Big One on Saturday, costing Blackpool Pleasure Beach thousands of pounds and drawing a large crowd to South Promenade. more...
Vincent's sidelined
WYRE'S council leader has quit his post after being banned from the council for six months. more...
Tilly in a cat flap!
A CAT OWNER is desperately searching for her pet after a mix-up at a cattery meant he went home with the wrong owner. more...
It's just baffling!
CAMPAIGNERS against a leisure development at Cleveleys could fight on despite the government throwing out their calls for a public inquiry, writes Nikki Masters. more...
Detectives in hunt for vicious trio
DETECTIVES have appealed for witnesses after a gang of thugs punched and kicked a man to the ground in a vicious assault on a Blackpool street. more...
Mumps rise
PEOPLE living in Wyre are being urged to ensure they are vaccinated after a dramatic increase in the number of mumps cases. more...
Dream almost there for park group
JUST under a year ago it looked like an impossible dream. more...
Treatment plant scheme under spotlight
PLANS to build a waste treatment plant in Thornton are to go under the spotlight at a public meeting. more...
Grey matter
A NATIONAL survey has revealed that Fylde pensioners are beating the grandkids in being in touch with the latest technology. more...
Bolton Business
Masterpieces lie beneath his feet
BUSINESS is always a pleasure when it stems from a personal enthusiasm. But for Shahriar Razaghi, his new venture is the realisation of a boyhood fascination. more...
Bolton Leisure
That Was The Week That Was
ANGELA Kelly takes a personal look at the week in cyberspace in Bolton: more...
Bolton News
£330,000 spent by Bolton MPs last year
BOLTON'S three MPs claimed more than a £330,000 in expenses last year in total, it has been revealed. more...
100 jobs to go as underwear factory closes
A FACTORY which makes underwear for Marks and Spencer is to close with the loss of 100 jobs. more...
'Lorries give us 24-hour headache'
ANGRY residents are campaigning to stop heavy wagons rolling past their front doors as they fight plans for a waste management transfer station. more...
Protesters help blow out windfarm plan
RESIDENTS living in a picturesque Bolton village are celebrating today after an application to build a windfarm was refused. more...
Smoking ban in 75pc of hotel's bedroom
SMOKING will be banned in restaurants and at least three-quarters of bedrooms at a leading Bolton hotel as part of a nationwide move by its owners. more...
More police at troubled school
A BOLTON school is to receive extra police attention after a second violent incident in just over a month. more...
Death crash driver's `wrong decision'
A YOUNG motorist accused of causing the death of a pedestrian has told a court that the tragedy followed a split second decision which he admitted "was the wrong one". more...
Ex-mayor has new NHS role
EX-MAYOR Cliff Morris has been appointed as the new chairman of Bolton Hospitals NHS Trust. more...
Plenty here to do for teenagers
THERE seems to be more and more anti-social behavioural problems occurring in Bolton and the surrounding areas. more...
Teachers call for sprinklers
TEACHERS are calling for Bolton schools to have sprinkler systems to help prevent damage caused by fires. more...
Drug dealers' cash seized by court
A COURT has ordered a total of £3,481 be seized from four men who have been convicted of Class A drug dealing. more...
Sam salutes every-day champions
STARS from the world of sport and soap opera were on hand to congratulate Bolton pupils with top attendance records. more...
Jury out in firefighter's death case
A JURY is considering whether or not a "catalogue of failures" by fire brigade chiefs led to the death of a Greater Manchester firefighter who drowned while trying to rescue a teenager. more...
Amateur artists in the spotlight
ONE of the leading art societies in the North-west is unveiling an amateur exhibition at Bolton Gallery. more...
Mayor joins lunch club double party
IT was a double celebration when the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Prentice Howarth, and Mayoress Elaine Howarth called in at the Monday Luncheon Club at Bolton at Home's Commission Street Community Centre, Great Lever. more...
Pubs are toast of new guide
REAL Ale lovers will never be short of a place to drink their beer in Bolton - after three local venues have been included in a top beer drinkers' guide. more...
Staff on the run to help charity
STAFF from the Tesco Extra store in Horwich were happy to give a little extra when they entered the Bolton Race For Life this summer. more...
Double stabbing
TWO people needed hospital treatment for stab wounds after a row outside a pub in Halliwell. more...
Two flee after car crash
TWO men ran from the scene of a head-on crash that left a woman needing hospital treatment. more...
Two banks in suspicious package alert
A MAJOR security alert was sparked on Thursday when two banks received suspicious packages. more...
Murder hunt: man arrested
A MAN has been arrested by detectives hunting the killer of a Bolton father of four kicked to death on a night out. more...
Animals not there for our entertainment
REALITY programmes such as ITV's I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! show insects and fish being eaten alive. more...
We say no to regional assembly
CLLR John Walsh OBE is incorrect in saying that only Conservatives are opposed to a regional assembly. more...
Outdoor market is a mess
LAST week I visited Bolton outdoor market and was shocked at the deterioration over the past few years. more...
Where does the rent for flats go?
MR Hayes seemed upset by my comments and was very strong in his defence of Bolton Council (Let's get the facts right on housing situation, Friday, October 8). I would like to know a few things further. more...
Bombarded with calls
I COULDN'T agree more with Mr Warren (Phone fury, October 14). more...
At beck of call centres
HAVING read George Whitlow's letter (Our modern world of noise and pressure, Saturday, October 9) regarding call centres. more...
Bolton Sport
Shakers star signs up for three months
BURY defender Matt Barrass has extended his short-term contract at Gigg Lane by another three months. more...
Bolton Wanderers
Okocha back on centre stage
ALL eyes will be on Jay Jay Okocha at White Hart Lane tomorrow when he returns to the scene of one of his most impressive virtuoso performances. more...
Nolan looking to break down the Spurs mean machine
KEVIN Nolan is hoping he can enjoy a happy return to White Hart Lane tomorrow and put another spoke in Jacques Santini's wheel of change. more...
Sam calls in the union man - just for kicks
DAVE Alred, the man who helped turn Jonny Wilkinson into a national hero, is aiming to boost Wanderers' goal power. more...
Burnley News
£153,989 expenses for Pike
BURNLEY MP Peter Pike's expenses are the fourth highest in Westminster, it has been revealed. more...
New dimension in £20m centre
THIS three-dimensional picture is one of the first views of Burnley's major new health and leisure development. more...
'Return hero medal' plea
CLARETS boss Steve Cotterill today offered a reward for the return of former Burnley hero Andy Lochhead's prized FA Cup Final medal. more...
Head looks forward and back after half century
THE headteacher of Burnley's St Hilda's RC High School told parents, staff and students there was every reason to be optimistic about the future. more...
Jo's a champ!
A CHAMPION of Burnley's social causes has been crowned the East Lancashire Young Business Person of the Year -- just 15 months into her new job. more...
Clarets boss to switch on festive lights
CLARETS manager Steve Cotterill (right) will be guest of honour at this year's Christmas lights switch-on in Burnley town centre. more...
Road is an 'accident waiting to happen'
A PADIHAM councillor is warning that a notorious stretch of road is an 'accident waiting to happen.' more...
Verdict wait in rescue tragedy
A JURY has retired to consider whether an East Lancashire firefighter drowned trying to rescue a teenager due to a "catalogue of failures." more...
Bury Business
Firm has rights to use Marilyn!
A LEADER in digital printing on textiles has been awarded the rights to use iconic Andy Warhol masterpieces in the creation of a range of home furnishings. more...
Try cask ale, Mr Mayor
A RAMSBOTTOM man who is boss of a world-leading Lancashire brewery is urging north west civic leaders to swap le Cote-du-Rhone for le Premier Cask Ale at their official events. more...
Disability law is welcomed
EXTENDING the Disability Discrimination Act is an opportunity, not a worry. more...
New account executive
BURY-based insurance brokers Moscrop Robison & Chadwick have appointed Alan Rowe as a new account executive. more...
Water giant sets standard
UNITED Utilities has set the lead for businesses across the north west by achieving the new Investor in Excellence standard. more...
Bury News
Get my Rob's killer
THE wife of a Bury man, who was kicked to death as he walked home from his birthday night out, choked back tears as she appealed for the "cold and callous" killer to be caught. more...
Parking: the whole thing is a mess
COUNCILLOR Mike Connolly (Letters, October 8), in attempting to answer a reader's query about car boot "parkers", has raised even more questions. more...
Bring the silence back to Burrs
TEN years ago we bought a house on Plumpton Drive, Walmersley, for the lovely landscape and the "green belt" land in front of it, so I was outraged to read in the Bury Times that 80-plus caravans were about to descend on this rural landscape. more...
3,000 on the march
IT was the biggest test so far - how many people care deeply enough about Fairfield's children's services to join a town centre protest march? more...
In the mood!
MUSIC is the answer to staying young, according to the Nostalgia Swing Band whose members are mostly senior citizens! more...
Immigration fight family are deported back to Pakistan
A FAMILY living in Bury for the past four years have lost their fight to stay in the UK. more...
Decision on Minden may be next week
THE FATE of a town centre medical practice could be decided within the week. more...
Companions social group is facing closure
A SOCIAL group for people with mental and physical disabilities is to close after 33 years. more...
In phone queue after 999 call
A HOMEWATCH co-ordinator told how he was placed in a telephone queue after dialling 999. more...
'Little angel' Jennifer
A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD girl has been hailed a 'little angel' after saving her mum's life. more...
Medals are donated to museum
TWO of the historic six Victoria Crosses won by the Fusiliers "before breakfast" at Gallipoli are now on display at Bury's regimental museum. more...
Chiefs tips for bonfire
RESIDENTS are being warned to "Get Wise" or "Get Hurt" for bonfire night. more...
Fairfield: it isn't just about the SCBU
DESPITE the many Bury Times articles regarding the proposed closures and rationalisation of services at Fairfield, it still seems that the impact of this is not being understood by the general public. more...
I have needed everything at Fairfield
I AM writing this letter in total disbelief at the barbaric proposal to close the special care baby unit, children's wards and maternity services at Fairfield General Hospital. more...
Does this sound like 'progress'?
PICTURE this. A couple walk into a shop, choose a product and take it to a till resembling an oversized typewriter. more...
Green Belt must be maintained
IT was a relief to read that Bury Council's planning committee had had the vision to refuse the application by Holcombe Brook Tennis Club for the construction of 13 new tennis courts (nine with floodlights). more...
No substitute for TV coverage
WHILE I appreciate Councillor Derek Boden's description of the Labour Conference (Letters, October 19), I think he has completely missed my point. more...
Hill view will soon be hidden
I RECENTLY took my children, aged three and six, for a walk through Redisher Woods to paddle in the river in their wellies and throw sticks for our dog. more...
Think before you get a Christmas pet
WORDS cannot express my anger towards the brain-dead morons who casually abandoned five starving kittens outside an Asda store (Bury Times, October 1). more...
Where is all the money going?
RECENTLY I went to Fairfield Hospital for a CT scan and overheard patients - some had been there for two hours - being told that the scanner had broken down at lunchtime (it was then 3.30pm). more...
No figures for paths damage
ALAN Cookson (Letters, October 15) asked what the cost is to the ratepayer of the damage caused by people parking their cars part, or wholly, on the pavement. more...
Black police officer sex case is settled
THE highest ranking black woman officer in Greater Manchester Police has settled her racial and sexual discrimination case just days before it was due to be heard at an industrial tribunal. more...
Good friend to many dies day after 100th birthday
A FORMER cabinet maker from Radcliffe has died, the day after his 100th birthday. more...
Full-on fun for half-term holiday break
PARENTS can make the best of the half-term holiday by roping children into activities at Bury's libraries. more...
Mexico on menu
WORKERS at a Ramsbottom factory found things getting a little hot last Friday when they added a Latin flavour to their day. more...
Depression led to talking life
PENSIONER Barbara Rose Greenwood hanged herself after failing to cope with the death of her husband, an inquest heard. more...
'Haphazard rish approach
GREATER Manchester Fire Service had been praised for its risk-assessment procedures leading up to death of a firefighter who drowned in a lodge, a court heard. more...
Second collision at site of fatal smash
AN accident blackspot where a teenager was killed earlier this year was the site of another collision on Sunday. more...
Changes in GP's 'on call' service
HEALTH bosses have assured residents in the borough that changes to GPs' out-of-hours services will not affect the care they receive. more...
Sylvia's surprise
SURPRISED, shocked and stunned - that was voluntary worker Mrs Sylvia Taylor after finding out she was to be the seventh Bury Woman of the Year. more...
Nominate the Radcliffe girl and boy of the year
NOMINATIONS are now open for the title of Radcliffe boy and girl of the year 2004. more...
Firework bonanza to mark 20 years
SPARKS are set to fly on October 30 when Bury holds its biggest ever firework display. more...
'Keep left' on ~ay message
MIDDLE lane road hogs could soon be a thing of the past.Two new safety messages urging motorway drivers to 'keep left unless overtaking' and 'don't hog the middle lane' are currently being trialled on selected motorways across the county, including the M60 and M62. more...
New 'kennel' for health watchdog
BURY'S new health watchdog has moved into new premises and is ready to deal with concerns of residents living in the borough. more...
MPs to meet health chief
BURY'S two MPs are today due to quiz health chiefs responsible for drawing up plans to close the special care baby unit at Fairfield Hospital. more...
Wife remanded on murder charge
THE wife of a Radcliffe shopworker has been remanded in custody accused of her husband's murder. more...
Siberia takes sporting advice
A DELEGATION of education officials from Siberia were given a warm welcome when they visited Bury this week. more...
Single jobs for children
PARENTS who are concerned about the controversial MMR injection can have their child immunised with single jabs at a Manchester clinic. more...
Football and dance
BRAZILIAN soccer sessions are just one of the fun activities on offer for youngsters this half-term. more...
New veue for male voice choir
AN ANNUAL concert by the Radcliffe Male Voice Choir will be staged at a new venue. more...
Traffic lights improvements
IMPROVEMENTS are to be made to four sets of traffic lights in Ramsbottom to ease the flow of the traffic. more...
Bury Sport
Challinor keen to hit back
IF Rushden and Diamonds think the Bury defence is suddenly an easy touch they've another think coming. more...
Bury need to loo to their young ones for sucess in the future
WITH Bury's first team having not progressed to the second round of the Powergen Vase, it is time to have a look at the bigger picture. more...
Soccer weekend selections
SATURDAY - BURY GSOB v Rossendale away, meet 1pm. From: Crompton, Pickup, Jackson, McGinty, Bracegirdle, Cheetham, Land, Lord, Wilde, Myers, Holt, Leith, Croft, Brown. more...
Bury and District darts league
2004 WINNERS - DIVISION ONE BENTLEY CUP Winners: Eagle & Child A; runners-up: Black Lane. more...
Another honour for Amir
AMIR Khan continued to pick up the prizes as he spent a marvellous day in London on Monday. more...
Point for battling Bury
BURY restored some of their pride and self-belief in a battling display, which gained them a point in a repeat of last season's scoreline. more...
Woolford Darts & Dominoes LeagueDARTS: Black Bull 11(3), Elton CC A 10(0); Fold B 11(2), White Horse
DOMINOES: Black Bull 310(1), Elton CC A 342(4); Fold B 331(1), White Horse 350(4); Swan 312(2), Fold A 345(3); Waggon 287(0), Globe 364(5); Woodbank CC 293(0), Tottington Con 364(5). more...
Angling
PLENTY of rain and much colder weather conditions has been the order of the recent weeks, but the Island lodge still remains in top form. more...
Cycling - Bury CTC
IT might seem strange for the townís cyclists to leave town on a day when the annual hill climb championship takes place up The Rake; but it was what we chose to do. more...
'Nuge' is number one for September
Forever Bury are delighted to announce that David Nugent is the winner of the September "Player of the Month." more...
Unibond league Premier division table
P W D L F A Pts more...
North West Countries first division table
P W D L F A Pts more...
Bury HF walking club
SATURDAY walk (six to eight miles) - meet Tenter St. Car Park (Law Courts) at 1.00pm for Helmshore. more...
Rossendale Badminton
A SHORTAGE of time in the First Division meant a shortfall in points as Badgercote B overcame Rising Bridge 16-7, and Badgercote A defeated Blackford Bridge 12-10. more...
Chess club's two defeats
Two close matches went the wrong way for Bury teams last week.Stockport 3rd 4 v Bury 3rd 3 more...
Ramsbottom mens darts
RESULTS: Legion 2, Buchanan 7; Royal Oak 5, Masons 4; Grey Mare 5, Rose and Crown 4; 180s - R Judd (Rose); J Ayers (Royal Oak). more...
Leisuretime League Fixtures
Rules and result cards will be distributed this weekend. The league commences this week. more...
Gritty Boston deny battling Bury again
BURY 1 BOSTON UNITED 1: Fives times Bury have played Boston now since the Pilgrims arrived in the Football League and they've still to register a win over their Lincolnshire rivals. more...
Unruffled Rams finish with a flourish over colls
ANOTHER tough encounter was on the cards with Alan Lord's Collieries side making the short journey to the Riverside, and this was no exception as the visitors made every attempt to disrupt the Rams flowing football. more...
Is Dan the Tigers' man?
'WE could have won the game,' was Sedgley coach Tim Fourie's assessment of last Saturday's Powergen Cup Third Round 44-20 defeat to Manchester at Grove Park. more...
Bury Sunday league Results
MILLENNIUM CUP: Hark to Dandler 0, Bridge Inn 6; Jolly Waggonners 8, Loofes 6; Rostrons 2, Horse & Jockey 5; Swan & Cemetery 1, Huntley Mount 11; The Cave 1, Horseshoe 2. more...
Bury Ladies Netball League table
P W D L(1) L(0) F A Pt more...
Malius brace earns the point for Elton
ELTON Vale, after two weeks in cup competition, got back onto the league trail at third placed Wythenshawe Town. more...
Soccer zone Bury Tuesday
DIVISION A more...
Thwaites Mens D & D League
THE highlight of the first week was the clash at darts between last season's champions White Boar A and one of the teams tipped to challenge them this season, Masons Arms A. more...
Cycling - Bury Clarion VINCE Eastwood joined our club in June and has proved to be one of our most e
He has succeeded in recruiting Steven Hepworth, and these two have flown the Bury Clarion flag to good effect over the last two weekends. more...
Walshaw take charge at top
WALSHAW Conservative B continue to make headway in the Bury Amateur Billiards League. more...
Chorley News
Jade's 'gun' terror
A SCHOOLGIRL from Chorley could have been blinded after being shot in the eye by a playmate with a ball bearing gun according to her mother. more...
Twitchers see red!
TWITCHERS have gathered at a Chorley beauty spot to catch a glimpse of a rare visitor. more...
Police pair halt bank robbery
AN off duty bobby has told how he and his six month pregnant wife thwarted a bank robbery. more...
Help for grieving pet lovers
YOU watch their first breath, see them take their first steps, feed them, nurture them and watch them grow to adulthood. more...
Pupils can help peace in Uganda
A DELEGATION from Uganda visited a Chorley school this week to help strengthen links between Lancashire and the war-torn African country. more...
Theft stuns youth club
THIEVES have dealt Chorley Adventure Youth Club a bitter blow after stealing £14,000 of equipment. more...
Noise fear over venue
A HISTORIC village building was granted a public entertainment licence despite objections over noise from neighbours. more...
Data search showed fraud
A FRAUDSTER was trapped following a data-matching exercise. more...
Soldiers called up to serve in Iraq
SIX part-time Chorley soldiers have been called up to serve in Iraq for up to six months. more...
A great start to appeal
THE Citizen's Tins and Toys appeal got off to a roaring start this week as the first donations poured in. more...
£80 fines for misuse of fireworks
CHORLEY Police have launched Operation Cascade and warned they will use new legislation to target juvenile nuisance during the Hallowe'en and bonfire season. more...
OAP confronts burglars
A BRAVE 83-year-old woman confronted two burglars who sneaked into her home as she watched television. more...
Chorley Sport
Missed chances cost dear
IT was another case of missed opportunities as an ordinary Belper side were allowed to make off with the points from Victory Park. more...
Valiant defence not enough
CHORLEY suffered their second loss of the season in this cup fixture after being forced to field a weakened side due to absence and injuries. more...
Skipper walks out on Magpies
CHORLEY skipper Jason Jones has quit the Magpies to return to his former club Clitheroe claiming they are a "better club." more...
Clarets Sport
Frank is free to play
FRANK Sinclair this week made his own bizarre contribution to Burnley's 500 Miles Club. more...
Give me one Moore match
BURNLEY boss Steve Cotterill has told striker Ian Moore: Give me one more game. more...
100 for Blake - or is it?
STEVE Cotterill admits he is not concerned by the confusion surrounding Robbie Blake's century of league goals. more...
Clarets fans to bring the noise
BURNLEY fans have rallied round in a bid to improve the atmosphere inside Turf Moor tonight. more...
Road to Elland
ACCRINGTON Clarets still have seats available on the early coach for Burnley's trip across the Pennines to face Leeds United next month. more...
Cotterill put a real spring in my step
The Andy Lochhead column more...
Clitheroe News
Carroll's rebellion
THE rebellious schooldays of one of America's founding fathers has been brought to life in a piece of graffiti discovered at an East Lancashire college. more...
Faith gives hope amid school grief
PUPILS, friends and guests at St Augustine's RC High School in Billington were asked to reflect on their faith last night as tributes were paid to members of the school community. more...
Emotional farewell
HUNDREDS of teachers, pupils and friends said an emotional goodbye to respected headteacher Peter Keegan yesterday. more...
Colne News
Nature reserves plan drawn up
PLANS have been drawn up to create more nature reserves in Pendle. more...
'Obsession' rap by head
PENDLE headteacher Alan Chambers has said the government's 'obsession' with exams, testing and targets is putting education at risk. more...
Ships ahoy!
BARNOLDSWICK is hoping its first ever maritime festival will go with a bang on November 7. more...
Darwen News
Brave girl, 17 saves man in blaze horror
A TEENAGER was today praised by firefighters after she saved the life of an 87-year-old man burned in a chip pan blaze. more...
Home staff fury over car clamp
TWO managers from a residential home in Darwen claim they were forced to pay £70 to have their car unclamped despite no warning signs. more...
Wind power plan blocked
A PLAN to build two huge wind turbines on Broadhead Moor, Edgworth, has been blocked. more...
Community puts the year in focus
RESIDENTS can have more input on improving their community and learn more about work going on near their homes, at Earcroft Community Association's annual meeting. more...
Witness plea as van hits girl
WITNESSES to an incident in which a Darwen schoolgirl was hit by a Ford Transit van are being urged to contact the police. more...
Lancashire News
10 years ago:
LONGRIDGE residents were reeling from shock after the announcement one of the town's biggest employers was to close. more...
25 years ago:
A CHILD of the Year competition held in the Ribble Valley had to be cancelled after organisers received no entries. more...
50 years ago:
A FORMER Rossendale office worker found fame as a ventriloquist. more...
Mind your own business
COUNCIL bosses and business leaders have hit back after a North West business magazine named Blackburn in a top ten list of the "grimmest" towns. more...
£153,989 expenses for Pike
BURNLEY MP Peter Pike's expenses are the fourth highest in Westminster, it has been revealed. more...
Holidays perk of EU membership
RECENTLY, my wife and I spent a weekend visiting friends in Spain. We flew with a cheap airline from Manchester and the plane was full. How very different from 10 years ago, when the big airlines had a monopoly and only the rich could afford the sky-high prices. more...
Grumbler should re-take driving test
I WRITE in response to the letter from Ronald Hodgson (LET, October 18) regards motorway lane hogging. more...
Rules made for our safety
FOR many years I have been angered by the selfish and illegal behaviour of drivers who hog the middle lane of motorways. I attributed their poor skills to ignorance of the law. more...
Anniversary ban going too far
NEXT October we will witness the 200th anniversary of Horatio Nelson's greatest triumph; the Battle of Trafalgar. more...
Happy ending to dog story
ON Friday, October 15, you printed a letter regarding a sick and abandoned Alsatian dog which a man saw on the road between Slaidburn and Bentham. This story has a happy ending. more...
We don't need such cheap jibes
IT would be wrong for anyone to suggest that Blackburn hasn't got problems of regeneration and development like many other towns and cities. more...
Be nice all year, not just for that one time!
AS it is Ramadan I will be mostly keeping it clean this week. A testing time of year this for some of us. We get up before sunrise, have some scran and don't eat or drink again until six-ish. more...
Lancashire Sport
Flitty boost for Rovers
BLACKBURN defender Lorenzo Amoruso has been ruled out of tomorrow's trip to Chelsea. more...
Give me one Moore match
BURNLEY boss Steve Cotterill has told striker Ian Moore: Give me one more game. more...
Egan hopes justice is served for Rams
RAMSBOTTOM step up their quest for silverware tomorrow, with Consett the visitors for the First Round proper of the FA Vase. more...
Keep the pressure off, urges Hughes
CHORLEY manager John Hughes has a chance to give himself a stay of execution at Rocester tomorrow. more...
Wilkes takes the blame
PADIHAM manager Steve Wilkes is taking the rap for his side's inability to win at bottom placed Norton United last week. more...
Cryer in limbo over transfer
WANTAWAY Sean Cryer's proposed move from Bacup Borough to North West Counties Division One rivals Curzon Ashton has been scuppered. more...
Drubbing inspired us, says Mullen
IT'S not often that positives can be taken from a 7-1 drubbing, but Darwen manager Stephen Mullen believes it was a blessing in disguise. more...
New boss disappointed as Parr quits Robins
FORMER captain Ryan Parr has left Great Harwood Town. more...
Top six is all Coates wants for Christmas
COLNE boss Nigel Coates has an early wish on his Christmas list - a place in the top six. more...
Strikers reunited
NELSON manager Dave Hall is on the verge of re-uniting 14-goal strike partnership Craig Bradshaw and Paul Barrett. more...
Lancaster Sport
We're up for't cup
PHIL Wilson is licking his lips in anticipation after his Lancaster City side landed a plum draw in the final qualifying round of the FA Cup. more...
Leigh News
Ex-Journal editor Fred dies, 85
RETIRED editor and general manager of the Leigh, Tyldesley and Atherton Journal Fred Pinder has died aged 85. more...
Nelson News
Area's 'new era'
NELSON residents have been told by councillors 'the years of conflict are over'. more...
Northend Sport
Cresswell is spot on
A PENALTY from Richard Cresswell, awarded after a handball by Gino Padula, earned North End the points against in-form QPR. more...
Poolfc Sport
It's nip and tuck for Pool
BLACKPOOL travel to Brentford on Saturday for their third game in eight days against a club from the top six. more...
Preston News
Estate leads the way
A ONCE notorious housing estate in Preston has been hailed as an example of how crime can be cut and public confidence boosted. more...
Crackdown on firework misuse
A MAJOR operation has been launched in Preston and South Ribble in a bid to reduce nuisance and injuries in the run up to Bonfire Night. more...
For Neil's a jolly good fellow'
ORGANISERS of a beer festival which was plagued with torrential rain last year are praying for dry weather in time for this year's booze bash. more...
Iraq call-up for soldiers
A CUSTODY officer and a hygiene manager who serve in the Territorial Army are on their way to Iraq. more...
QLR name talks
THE ARMY'S top brass were expected to meet last night to thrash out names for a new merged regiment that could include the Queen's Lancashire Regiment (QLR). more...
Appeal off to great start
THE PEOPLE of Penwortham have shown their support for the Citizen's third annual Tins and Toys Christmas Appeal in support of Preston and South Ribble's women's refuges. more...
Looking back
BUNNOCKS can take a trip down memory lane with a new book dedicated to early 20th century Penwortham, Hutton and Longton. more...
Great show of skills
HUNDREDS of children with disabilities from across Lancashire descended on Preston this week for the second annual special schools football tournament. more...
Clean-up warning to dog owners
PRESTON City Council has launched a new programme to get dog owners to clean up after their pets. more...
Preston Sport
Hoppers hit a ton in record win
RECORDS tumbled as Hoppers posted their biggest ever score in a competitive game after passing the century mark against the hapless Aldwinians in the second round of the Powergen Intermediate Cup. more...
Prestwich,Bury News
Club illumination get the go-ahead
EXTRA floodlighting will be installed at Sedgley Park Rugby Club, despite heated objections from residents. more...
Rawtenstall News
Fatal head injury riddle
A ROSSENDALE man who died mysteriously after complaining of a headache was later discovered to have a fractured skull, an inquest heard. more...
Clampdown on illegal body art
ENVIRONMENTAL Health bosses have moved to stamp-out the trade of backroom skin art in Rossendale after it was revealed a 13-year-old girl had been given an illegal tattoo. more...
Rovers Sport
Mutu should get a helping hand
The Simon Garner column more...
Short tips winger to fill Duff void
BLACKBURN Rovers defender Craig Short believes Brett Emerton is about to emerge from the shadow of Damien Duff. more...
Flitty boost for Rovers
BLACKBURN defender Lorenzo Amoruso has been ruled out of tomorrow's trip to Chelsea. more...
Matteo: We can turn it around
DOMINIC Matteo has called on his team-mates to stand up and be counted as Blackburn Rovers head for Chelsea this weekend. more...
Rovers slip up
ROVERS Ladies suffered their first league defeat in over 30 games after letting a two-goal lead slip against Oldham Curzon. more...
Stanley Sport
Defence could be best form of attack
JOHN Coleman is urging Accrington Stanley to build on the defensive foundations they have laid this season. more...
Flynn to meet up with ex-team-mate
SCARBOROUGH head coach Nick Henry is looking forward to renewing acquaintances with Stanley defender Mike Flynn tomorrow. more...
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